Gp Lah! – Page 5 – Get moving lah!

Is courage necessarily a virtue?

Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

I. Introduction

Hook: Courage is admired in stories and heroes.
Background: Brief overview of courage and its traditional view as a virtue.
Thesis Statement: Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

II. Supporting View 1: Overcoming Fear for Noble Goals

Topic Sentence: Courage helps people overcome fear to achieve noble goals.
Example 1: In India, Mahatma Gandhi’s courage led to India’s independence through non-violent resistance.
Analysis: Gandhi’s courage is virtuous because it achieved freedom without violence.

III. Supporting View 2: Promoting Justice and Integrity

Topic Sentence: Courage is essential in promoting justice and integrity.
Example 1: In South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s courage in fighting apartheid inspired global change.
Analysis: Mandela’s courage was virtuous as it fought oppression and promoted equality.

IV. Opposing View 1: Potential for Recklessness

Topic Sentence: Courage can sometimes lead to reckless or dangerous actions.
Example 1: In Russia, young daredevils who climb skyscrapers for thrills risk their lives needlessly.
Analysis: This form of courage is not virtuous as it endangers lives without noble purpose.

V. Opposing View 2: Harmful Consequences

Topic Sentence: Courage can have harmful consequences if not guided by wisdom.
Example 1: In some Middle Eastern conflicts, individuals show courage by joining extremist groups, causing harm.
Analysis: Courage in this context is not virtuous as it leads to violence and suffering.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Courage can be a virtue when it achieves noble goals and promotes justice but can also lead to recklessness and harm.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Courage must be guided by wisdom and morality to be truly virtuous.

Should we always extend kindness to others?

I. Introduction

Hook: Acts of kindness can transform lives and communities.
Background: Brief overview of kindness and its importance.
Thesis Statement: Extending kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, but there are situations where it may not be appropriate or effective.

II. Supporting View 1: Promotes Positive Relationships

Topic Sentence: Kindness fosters positive relationships and social harmony.
Example 1: In Japan, cultural emphasis on politeness and kindness strengthens community bonds.
Example 2: In Denmark, the concept of “hygge” includes kindness and promotes social well-being.
Analysis: Discuss how kindness leads to stronger, happier communities.

III. Supporting View 2: Enhances Mental Health

Topic Sentence: Acts of kindness improve mental health for both giver and receiver.
Example 1: Studies in the UK show volunteering increases happiness and reduces depression.
Example 2: Kindness practices in Bhutan, influenced by Gross National Happiness, improve societal well-being.
Analysis: Examine how kindness enhances mental health and overall happiness.

IV. Opposing View 1: Potential for Exploitation

Topic Sentence: Kindness can sometimes lead to exploitation and dependency.
Example 1: In India, excessive kindness in business contexts may lead to unfair practices.
Example 2: In Greece, economic crisis showed how continuous kindness without boundaries led to exploitation.
Analysis: Discuss how constant kindness might lead to negative outcomes like exploitation.

V. Opposing View 2: Ineffectiveness in Certain Situations

Topic Sentence: Kindness is not always effective in all situations.
Example 1: In conflict zones, like parts of the Middle East, kindness alone does not resolve deep-seated issues.
Example 2: In competitive environments, such as in some South Korean schools, strict discipline is valued over kindness.
Analysis: Explore how in some situations, other approaches may be more appropriate than kindness.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, it may not always be appropriate or effective.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Strive for a balance, recognising when kindness is best and when other responses are necessary.

In today’s knowledge based economy, what you earn equals what you have learned. Do you agree?

I. Introduction

Hook: As the global economy shifts towards valuing knowledge and skills, the correlation between education and earnings becomes increasingly significant.
Background: Brief overview of the knowledge-based economy and its emphasis on education and skills.
Thesis Statement: In today’s knowledge-based economy, earnings largely depend on one’s education and skills, but other factors such as socio-economic background, networking, and market demand also play crucial roles in determining income.

II. Supporting View 1: Education and Skills Directly Influence Earnings

Topic Sentence: Higher education and specialised skills directly correlate with higher earnings in the knowledge-based economy.
Example 1: In Germany, individuals with advanced degrees in STEM fields earn significantly higher salaries compared to those with only secondary education.
Example 2: In Singapore, the government’s focus on upskilling and continuous education has resulted in higher earnings for professionals in tech and finance sectors.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples demonstrate the clear link between education/skills and earning potential, supporting the argument that what you earn depends on what you have learned.

III. Supporting View 2: Demand for Knowledge and Expertise

Topic Sentence: The growing demand for specialised knowledge and expertise further emphasises the link between learning and earning.
Example 1: In South Korea, the tech industry’s rapid growth has created a high demand for skilled software developers, leading to lucrative salaries for those with the right qualifications.
Example 2: The biotechnology boom in Switzerland has resulted in high-paying jobs for individuals with specialised degrees in biotech and life sciences.
Analysis: Examine how these examples illustrate that industries prioritising knowledge and expertise reward individuals with relevant educational backgrounds and skills.

IV. Opposing View 1: Influence of Socio-Economic Background

Topic Sentence: Socio-economic background significantly affects earning potential, sometimes outweighing educational achievements.
Example 1: In India, socio-economic disparities mean that individuals from privileged backgrounds often have better access to quality education and job opportunities, leading to higher earnings regardless of their skills.
Example 2: In the United Kingdom, a report by the Sutton Trust indicates that individuals from affluent families often secure higher-paying jobs through connections and social capital, even if their academic achievements are not exceptional.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples show that socio-economic background can have a substantial impact on earnings, challenging the notion that income is solely dependent on education and skills.

V. Opposing View 2: Role of Networking and Market Demand

Topic Sentence: Networking and current market demand for certain professions also play crucial roles in determining earnings.
Example 1: In Japan, the tradition of lifelong employment with large corporations often means that networking and company loyalty can lead to higher earnings, sometimes more so than individual qualifications.
Example 2: The fluctuating demand in the gig economy, prevalent in many European countries, means that earnings can vary widely regardless of education, with market demand for certain skills dictating income levels.
Analysis: Explore how these factors demonstrate that while education is important, other elements such as networking and market dynamics also critically influence earning potential.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While education and skills are crucial determinants of earnings in the knowledge-based economy, socio-economic background, networking, and market demand significantly influence income, suggesting a multifaceted relationship between learning and earning.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the importance of recognising and addressing the various factors influencing earnings to create a more equitable and meritocratic economic landscape.

Technology has made us lazy. Discuss.

Supporting View 1: Technology has reduced physical activity and encouraged sedentary lifestyles.

Examples:

The rise of food delivery apps in the UK has led to a decrease in people cooking at home.
Japanese youth increasingly prefer indoor, tech-based activities over outdoor sports and recreation.
In Australia, excessive screen time has been linked to rising obesity rates among children.

Supporting View 2: Technology has diminished our cognitive efforts and problem-solving skills.

Examples:

British schools report a decline in mental arithmetic skills due to calculator reliance.
German employers note a decrease in job applicants’ ability to perform simple tasks without digital aids.
Indian parents express concern over children’s reduced creativity, attributing it to increased tablet use.

Opposing View 1: Technology has enabled greater productivity and efficiency in various sectors.

Examples:

American farmers use GPS-guided machinery to optimise crop yields and reduce labour.
South Korean hospitals employ robotic assistants to enhance surgical precision and patient care.
Swedish companies implement remote work technologies, improving work-life balance for employees.

Opposing View 2: Technology has facilitated access to information and learning opportunities.

Examples:

Rural African communities access education through mobile learning platforms, bridging educational gaps.
Chinese language learners use AI-powered apps to practise speaking with virtual tutors.
European museums offer virtual tours, making art and history accessible to global audiences

Children today have forgotten how to play. Assess this statement.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an age dominated by screens and structured routines, the nature of childhood play is undergoing significant transformation.
Background: Brief overview of the importance of play in child development and how it has changed over the years.
Thesis Statement: Although modern technology and structured schedules have altered traditional play, children today still engage in play through digital platforms and organised activities, suggesting that play has evolved rather than disappeared.

II. Supporting View 1: Impact of Technology

Topic Sentence: The pervasive presence of technology has significantly reduced traditional forms of play among children.
Example 1: In the United Kingdom, a study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that children spend an average of 3-4 hours daily on screens, limiting time for physical play.
Example 2: In Japan, concerns over increased screen time have led to initiatives promoting outdoor activities, such as the “Play, Play, Play Campaign” aimed at reducing children’s screen dependency.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples demonstrate the shift from physical to digital play, suggesting that traditional forms of play are being neglected.

III. Supporting View 2: Structured Schedules

Topic Sentence: Children’s lives today are often overly structured, leaving little room for spontaneous play.
Example 1: In South Korea, the highly competitive education system results in children attending after-school academies, reducing their free time for unstructured play.
Example 2: In China, the “Tiger Parenting” approach emphasizes academic and extracurricular achievement, further restricting time for leisurely play.
Analysis: Examine how these cultural practices and educational pressures contribute to a decline in free, spontaneous play among children.

IV. Opposing View 1: Evolution of Play

Topic Sentence: Despite changes, children today still engage in forms of play, albeit in different ways.
Example 1: In Finland, the educational system incorporates “Lego Serious Play” in classrooms to blend learning with creative play, highlighting an innovative approach to play.
Example 2: The popularity of online games and virtual worlds in Europe, such as Minecraft and Roblox, where children build, explore, and interact, showing that digital play can be creative and social.
Example 3: In Australia, the rise of adventure playgrounds designed to encourage risk-taking and imaginative play, reflecting an adaptation to modern play preferences.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate that play is not forgotten but has adapted to contemporary contexts and technologies.

V. Opposing View 2: Organised Play and Activities

Topic Sentence: Structured and organised activities still provide valuable play experiences for children.
Example 1: In Italy, after-school sports clubs and arts programmes offer children opportunities for play and social interaction within a structured setting.
Example 2: In the Netherlands, the “Brede School” initiative integrates play and learning through community-based extracurricular activities, supporting holistic development.
Analysis: Explore how these organised activities maintain the essence of play while fitting into modern schedules, ensuring children still benefit from play experiences.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While technology and structured schedules have transformed traditional play, children today continue to engage in play through digital platforms and organised activities, indicating that play has evolved rather than been forgotten.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the importance of recognising and supporting diverse forms of play in modern childhood to ensure well-rounded development and happiness.

Tourism is unnecessary. To what extent do you agree?

I. Introduction

Hook: In the era of climate change and globalisation, the necessity of tourism is increasingly questioned.
Background: Brief overview of the tourism industry’s role in the global economy and its environmental and cultural impacts.
Thesis Statement: While some argue that tourism is unnecessary due to its environmental impact and cultural commodification, it remains a vital industry that fosters economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding, demonstrating that its benefits outweigh the drawbacks when managed sustainably.

II. Supporting View 1: Environmental Impact

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that tourism is unnecessary because it significantly harms the environment.
Example 1: The environmental degradation caused by mass tourism in popular destinations like Venice, where over-tourism has led to pollution and the destruction of local ecosystems.
Example 2: The carbon footprint of air travel, which contributes to global warming and climate change, as highlighted by studies from organisations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Analysis: Discuss how these examples demonstrate the substantial negative impact of tourism on the environment, supporting the argument that it is unnecessary.

III. Supporting View 2: Cultural Commodification

Topic Sentence: Tourism often leads to the commodification of cultures, undermining their authenticity and value.
Example 1: The transformation of indigenous practices into tourist attractions, which can strip cultural traditions of their original meaning and context, as seen with the Maasai tribes in Kenya.
Example 2: The proliferation of “Disneyfication” in historic cities, where cultural heritage sites are altered to meet tourist expectations, diminishing their historical significance, as observed in cities like Prague.
Analysis: Examine how these examples illustrate the cultural costs of tourism, arguing that such commodification diminishes its value.

IV. Opposing View 1: Economic Growth

Topic Sentence: Tourism is a critical driver of economic growth and development, particularly in developing countries.
Example 1: The economic boom experienced by countries like Thailand, where tourism significantly contributes to GDP, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Example 2: The role of tourism in revitalising rural and economically disadvantaged areas, such as the Scottish Highlands, where it supports local businesses and communities.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples highlight the economic benefits of tourism, demonstrating its necessity for economic sustainability.

V. Opposing View 2: Cultural Exchange and Global Understanding

Topic Sentence: Tourism promotes cultural exchange and global understanding, fostering peace and mutual respect.
Example 1: Educational and cultural exchange programmes, such as study abroad opportunities, which enhance intercultural competence and global awareness among students.
Example 2: Community-based tourism initiatives, like those in Costa Rica, which allow tourists to engage with local cultures in meaningful ways, promoting sustainable practices and mutual respect.
Analysis: Explore how these examples show the positive impact of tourism on cultural understanding and global cooperation, underscoring its value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While tourism faces criticisms for its environmental and cultural impacts, its role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding affirms its necessity, provided it is managed sustainably.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need for sustainable tourism practices that mitigate negative impacts while maximising benefits, ensuring that tourism remains a valuable and necessary part of global society.

Only science can save the environment. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In the face of mounting environmental crises, the question of how best to protect and restore our planet has become increasingly urgent.
Background: Brief overview of the contributions of scientific advancements to environmental conservation and the role of other disciplines.
Thesis Statement: While science plays an essential role in addressing environmental issues through technological innovation, social, political, and cultural efforts are equally crucial in creating sustainable change, indicating that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to effectively save the environment.

II. Supporting View 1: Technological Innovations

Topic Sentence: Scientific advancements provide vital technological innovations that address environmental challenges.
Example 1: Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, have significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. See Germany’s Energiewende.
Example 2: Advances in environmental engineering, such as water purification systems and sustainable agricultural practices, help mitigate pollution and promote resource conservation. See China’s and India’s green revolution.
Analysis: Discuss how these technologies highlight the indispensable role of science in developing practical solutions to environmental problems.

III. Supporting View 2: Data-Driven Solutions

Topic Sentence: Science offers data-driven solutions that are critical for understanding and managing environmental issues.
Example 1: Climate modelling and satellite monitoring provide accurate data on climate change patterns, guiding policy decisions and mitigation strategies. See strategy in Kenya to help farmers.
Example 2: Scientific research on biodiversity loss informs conservation efforts, such as the establishment of protected areas and wildlife corridors. See expansion of conservation efforts in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru.
Analysis: Examine how these scientific contributions enable informed decision-making and effective management of environmental resources.

IV. Opposing View 1: Importance of Political Will and Policy

Topic Sentence: Effective environmental conservation also requires strong political will and comprehensive policy measures.
Example 1: International agreements like the Paris Agreement rely on political cooperation and commitment to reduce global carbon emissions.
Example 2: National policies promoting sustainability, such as the Rwanda and UK’s ban on single-use plastics, demonstrate the impact of legislative action on environmental protection.
Analysis: Discuss how these political efforts are crucial for implementing and enforcing scientific solutions, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach.

V. Opposing View 2: Role of Social and Cultural Change

Topic Sentence: Social and cultural change is essential for fostering environmental awareness and sustainable behaviours.
Example 1: Grassroots movements like Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future mobilise public support and pressure governments to take action on climate change.
Example 2: Educational campaigns and community initiatives, such as recycling programmes and sustainable lifestyle workshops, promote environmental responsibility and engagement. See recycling initiatives in Germany and Taiwan.
Analysis: Explore how these social efforts complement scientific solutions by changing public attitudes and behaviours towards the environment.

Science has more value than art. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In contemporary discourse, the debate over whether science or art holds more value is both prevalent and polarising.
Background: Brief overview of the contributions of science and art to society, highlighting their differing but complementary roles.
Thesis Statement: While science undeniably offers crucial advancements and practical benefits to society, art holds significant value through its capacity to enrich human experience, foster creativity, and provide cultural and emotional insights, demonstrating that both domains are essential in their unique ways.

II. Supporting View 1: Practical Benefits of Science

Topic Sentence: Science provides practical benefits that are indispensable for the advancement and well-being of society.
Example 1: Medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases, have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life. For instance, the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Example 2: Technological innovations like the internet and renewable energy sources have transformed industries and everyday life, enhancing connectivity and sustainability.
Analysis: Discuss how these advancements highlight the practical and transformative impact of scientific progress on society.

III. Supporting View 2: Advancement of Knowledge and Problem-Solving

Topic Sentence: Science advances knowledge and addresses critical global challenges through rigorous problem-solving methods.
Example 1: Climate change research in environmental science has provided crucial data and strategies for combating global warming, such as the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Example 2: Space exploration, led by agencies like NASA and ESA, expands our understanding of the universe and drives technological innovations that benefit multiple sectors.
Analysis: Examine how the pursuit of scientific knowledge and solutions to complex problems underscores the intrinsic value of science.

IV. Opposing View 1: Enrichment of Human Experience Through Art

Topic Sentence: Art enriches human experience by fostering creativity, emotional expression, and cultural understanding.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary art movements, such as street art by artists like Banksy, which provoke thought and dialogue on social issues.
Example 2: The role of music, literature, and visual arts in promoting mental health and well-being, as seen in initiatives like art therapy and music therapy programmes.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate the profound impact of art on emotional well-being and cultural enrichment.

V. Opposing View 2: Cultural and Emotional Insights Provided by Art

Topic Sentence: Art provides valuable cultural and emotional insights that are essential for a well-rounded understanding of the human condition.
Example 1: The resurgence of interest in eclectic arts such as performance art and digital media art, which reflect and shape contemporary cultural and social dynamics.
Example 2: The influence of literature and theatre in exploring complex human emotions and societal issues, exemplified by works like Shakespeare’s plays and modern novels addressing social justice.
Analysis: Explore how these forms of art contribute to a deeper appreciation of human experiences and societal issues, highlighting their enduring relevance.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While science offers practical advancements and problem-solving capabilities crucial for societal progress, art enriches human experience, fosters creativity, and provides cultural and emotional insights, underscoring the unique and complementary value of both domains.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to value and support both science and art, recognising their distinct contributions to a balanced and thriving society.

Poverty is the greatest enemy of the environment. Is this true?

Poverty can significantly impact the environment by driving unsustainable practices, but it is not the sole or greatest factor.

Poverty can significantly impact the environment by driving unsustainable practices, but it is not the sole or greatest factor. Other elements, such as industrial activities and policy failures, also play critical roles.

I. Introduction

Hook: Poverty plunges the environment and ecosystem into dispair and destruction. Critics opine that poverty can significantly impact the environment.
Background: Overview of factors affecting the environment, defining modern living and its typical impacts.
Thesis Statement: Poverty significantly impacts the environment, but industrial activities and policy failures are also crucial contributors.

II. Supporting View 1: Poverty Drives Unsustainable Practices

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment, as poverty is a key factor driving unsustainable environmental practices.
Example 1: Deforestation in Madagascar (2020) due to slash-and-burn agriculture for survival. Poor farmers clear forests for farmland, leading to habitat loss (source: Reuters, 2020).
Example 2: Overfishing in Ghana (2019) as impoverished communities rely on fishing for income. Depleted fish stocks harm marine ecosystems (source: BBC, 2019).
Example 3: Charcoal production in Kenya (2021) due to lack of affordable energy sources. Deforestation and soil erosion result from extensive charcoal burning (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Analysis: Poverty forces communities into practices that degrade the environment.
Counterargument: Economic development can mitigate these practices by providing alternatives. Countries like Kenya and Ghana are making progress towards eliminating practices that impact the environment.

III. Supporting View 2: Lack of Resources for Sustainable Alternatives

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment as poverty limits access to sustainable alternatives, exacerbating environmental damage.
Example 1: India’s dependence on biomass for cooking (2019) due to poverty. Indoor air pollution and deforestation from using wood and dung (source: The Hindu, 2019).
Example 2: Indonesia’s illegal logging (2021) driven by economic hardship. Forests are cleared for timber and agriculture to support livelihoods (source: BBC, 2021). [Countries still cutting down trees].
Example 3: Waste management issues in Nigeria (2020) due to lack of infrastructure. Poor waste disposal practices lead to pollution and health hazards (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Analysis: Economic constraints hinder the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
Counterargument: Governments and NGOs are working to provide cleaner alternatives. There are many NGOs that have sprouted to help the cause.

IV. Supporting View 3: Immediate Survival Needs Over Long-term Conservation

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment as poverty prioritises immediate survival over long-term environmental conservation.
Example 1: Subsistence farming in Nepal (2019) leads to soil degradation and deforestation. Farmers clear land to grow food, impacting biodiversity (source: Reuters, 2019).
Example 2: Poaching in Zimbabwe (2020) driven by economic desperation. Endangered species are hunted for income, threatening biodiversity (source: BBC, 2020).
Example 3: Pollution from informal settlements in South Africa (2021) due to lack of sanitation. Waste and pollution increase with unplanned urban growth (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Analysis: The focus on immediate needs overshadows environmental conservation efforts.
Counterargument: Sustainable farming initiatives are being introduced to mitigate this impact.

V. Opposing View 1: Industrial Activities as the Main Factor

Topic Sentence: Industrial activities are the main factor responsible for environmental degradation, not poverty.
Example 1: China’s industrial pollution (2019) despite economic growth. Factories contribute significantly to air and water pollution (source: various).
Example 2: Brazil’s Amazon deforestation (2020) driven by agribusiness. Large-scale farming and logging by corporations (source: Reuters, 2020) even if deforestation has slowed down significantly (BBC, 2024) the impact is significant (check out ‘Tipping Point’ by Time Magazine).
Example 3: Oil spills in Nigeria (2021) caused by multinational companies. Environmental damage from oil extraction and spills (source: BBC, 2021).
Analysis: Industrial activities cause extensive environmental harm, often more than poverty-driven practices.
Case Study: Include specific pollution statistics from major industrial cities.

VI. Opposing View 2: Policy Failures as a Key Factor

Topic Sentence: Policy failures are a key factor in environmental degradation.
Example 1: Deforestation in Indonesia (2020) due to weak enforcement of environmental laws. Illegal logging continues unchecked, harming ecosystems (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Example 2: Air pollution in India (2021) exacerbated by ineffective regulation. Poor enforcement of pollution controls leads to severe air quality issues (source: Reuters, 2021).
Example 3: Water pollution in Bangladesh (2019) from inadequate waste management policies. Rivers and water bodies contaminated by industrial waste (source: BBC, 2019).
Analysis: Weak policies and enforcement contribute significantly to environmental issues.
Case Study: Analyze the impact of weak policies on specific regions.

VII. Opposing View 3: Technological and Consumption Patterns

Topic Sentence: Modern consumption patterns and technological advancements are significant factors.
Example 1: Electronic waste in Ghana (2021) from global tech consumption. Imported e-waste leads to toxic pollution and health risks (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Example 2: Plastic pollution in the Philippines (2020) from global consumer habits. Ocean and coastal pollution from discarded plastics (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Example 3: Urban air pollution in South Korea (2019) due to high vehicle usage. Traffic emissions severely impact air quality (source: Reuters, 2019).
Analysis: Consumption and technology use in wealthier societies heavily impact the environment.
Case Study: Detail the lifecycle of electronic products and their environmental impact.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Poverty significantly impacts the environment, but industrial activities and policy failures are also crucial contributors.
Summary of Key Points: High consumption, energy use, urbanisation versus sustainable practices, technological innovation, policy changes.
Call to Action: Suggest specific steps individuals, governments, and organizations can take to balance modern living with environmental sustainability.
Final Thought: Addressing environmental degradation requires tackling both poverty and other significant factors.

Reading References:

World Economic Forum – AGOA 2023
“The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells, 2019.
“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert, 2014.
“For the Greta Thunberg in your life“.

Poetry has little to no value today. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an age dominated by digital media and rapid communication, poetry often seems like a relic of the past.
Background: Brief overview of poetry’s historical significance and its current status in modern culture.
Thesis Statement: Despite claims that poetry holds little value in contemporary society due to its perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, it continues to offer profound cultural, educational, and emotional benefits that validate its enduring significance.

II. Supporting View 1: Perceived Irrelevance

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that poetry is increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Example 1: The decline in poetry book sales and readership statistics, such as reports from the Publishers Association highlighting lower sales figures compared to other genres.
Example 2: The reduction of poetry in school curriculums in favour of more utilitarian subjects like STEM, as evidenced by changes in the UK’s National Curriculum.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends reflect a societal shift away from valuing poetry, contributing to the perception of its diminished importance.

III. Supporting View 2: Diminishing Readership

Topic Sentence: The readership of poetry is diminishing, leading to questions about its relevance and value.
Example 1: Surveys showing that a smaller percentage of the population regularly reads poetry compared to other forms of literature, such as novels or non-fiction.
Example 2: The closure of several renowned poetry magazines and journals due to lack of subscriptions and financial support, indicating waning interest.
Analysis: Examine how these examples highlight the challenges poetry faces in maintaining a significant presence in contemporary literary culture.

IV. Opposing View 1: Cultural and Educational Value

Topic Sentence: Poetry continues to offer substantial cultural and educational value in modern society.
Example 1: The success of initiatives like National Poetry Day in the UK, which celebrates poetry’s role in culture and education and engages people of all ages.
Example 2: The incorporation of poetry into therapeutic and educational programmes, such as Poetry Therapy, which uses verse to promote mental health and literacy.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate poetry’s ongoing relevance and its ability to enrich cultural and educational experiences.

V. Opposing View 2: Emotional and Social Impact

Topic Sentence: Poetry remains a powerful medium for emotional expression and social commentary.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, whose works resonate with wide audiences and address pressing social issues.
Example 2: The use of poetry in social movements and protests, such as the #MeToo movement, where poetry has been employed to articulate experiences and inspire change.
Analysis: Explore how these instances demonstrate poetry’s capacity to connect with people emotionally and drive social discourse, underscoring its lasting value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While poetry faces challenges related to perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, its cultural, educational, and emotional contributions affirm its continued importance in modern society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to recognise and support poetry’s unique ability to enrich human experience and foster deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world.